A∴A∴

The Curriculum · The Second Order: R.C.

6°=5□ Adeptus Major

The Adeptus Major robe
Time
Until authority confers the grade of Adeptus Exemptus.

The reading ↓

The work of the grade

General mastery of practical Magick: the Adept under his Angel’s direction rules the forces of his own sphere and begins to rule circumstance. To this grade belong the papers of the O.T.O.’s IX°, Liber Agape and De Arte Magica: the paired formula worked to its full power.

On the Ninth Degree: “It is highly desirable that Aspirants to this grade should have attained the 9th degree of O.T.O.” The A∴A∴ Curriculum, The Equinox, Vol. III, No. 1 (Detroit: Universal Publishing Co., 1919), Course VIII.

The Task of an Adeptus Major

  1. Let any Adeptus Minor be appointed by authority to proceed to the grade of Adeptus Major. Let him read through this note of his office, and sign it. Let him obtain the robe of a Greater Adept. Let him make an appointment with his Adeptus Major at the pleasure of the latter for the conferring of advancement.
  2. The Adeptus Major shall proceed to the grade of Adeptus Exemptus at any time that Authority confers it.
  3. He shall obtain a general mastery of practical Magick, and attain to full Magical Power.
  4. He shall employ the Power at his disposal to support the authority of the Exempt Adept his Superior.
  5. He must acquire absolute Self-Reliance, working in complete isolation, yet transmitting the word of his Superior clearly, forcibly, and subtly; and he shall exert his whole authority to govern the Members of lower Grades with balanced vigour and initiative in such a way as to allow no dispute or complaint.
  6. Beside all this, he shall attain mastery of the Wheel of the Gunas. Let him be mindful that the word Adeptus Major is no idle term, but that a greater Light will yet shine within him, even when he expecteth it not.
  7. When Authority confers the grade of Adeptus Exemptus, let him rejoice exceedingly therein; but beware, for that is his fourth departure from the middle pillar of the Tree of Life, and the momentum of his attainment shall allow him neither rest nor respite save either in the City of the Pyramids or in the lonely towers of the Abyss.
  8. He may at any moment withdraw from his association with the A∴A∴ simply notifying the Exempt Adept who introduced him.
  9. He shall everywhere proclaim openly his connection with the A∴A∴ and speak of It and Its principles (even so little as he understandeth) for that mystery is the enemy of Truth. At any time after his admission to the Grade, he shall go to his Adeptus Exemptus and pass the necessary tests.
  10. He shall in every way establish perfect control of his Volition, according to the advice of his Adeptus Exemptus, for that the ordeal of advancement is no light one.
  11. Thus and not otherwise may he obtain the great reward: YEA, MAY HE OBTAIN THE GREAT REWARD!

The Oath of an Adeptus Major

I, [motto], being of sound mind and body, and prepared, on this day of [An ☉ in ° of ] do hereby resolve: in the Presence of , an Adeptus Exemptus of the A∴A∴: To prosecute the Great Work: which is, to do my True Will and nothing else.

Further, I promise to observe zeal in service to the Adepti under me, and to deny myself utterly on their behalf.

May the A∴A∴ crown the work, lend me of Its wisdom in the work, enable me to understand the work!

Reverence do I bring to the A∴A∴ and here and now may I be admitted to the knowledge and conversation of the A∴A∴!

Witness my hand [motto]

This paper is to be returned to the Cancellarius of the R.C. through the Adeptus Exemptus admitting.

Liber CLXXXV, Liber Collegii Sancti, Publication in Class D, printed on loose sheets for the Order about 1909.

What One Star in Sight adds

Adeptus (Major). — Obtains a general mastery of practical Magick, though without comprehension.

9. The Grade of Adeptus Major confers Magical Powers (strictly so-called) of the second rank. His work is to use these to support the authority of the Exempt Adept his superior. (This is not to be understood as an obligation of personal subservience or even loyalty; but as a necessary part of his duty to assist his inferiors. For the authority of the Teaching and Governing Adept is the basis of all orderly work.) To attain the Grade of Adeptus Exemptus, he must accomplish Three Tasks; the acquisition of absolute Self-Reliance, working in complete isolation, yet transmitting the word of his superior clearly, forcibly and subtly; and the comprehension and use of the Revolution of the wheel of force, under its three successive forms of Radiation, Conduction and Convection (Mercury, Sulphur, Salt; or Sattvas, Rajas, Tamas), with their corresponding natures on other planes. Thirdly, he must exert his whole power and authority to govern the Members of lower Grades with balanced vigour and initiative in such a way as to allow no dispute or complaint; he must employ to this end the formula called “The Beast conjoined with the Woman” which establishes a new incarnation of deity; as in the legends of Leda, Semele, Miriam, Pasiphae, and others. He must set up this ideal for the orders which he rules, so that they may possess a not too abstract rallying-point suited to their undeveloped states.

One Star in Sight, Appendix II of Magick in Theory and Practice (Paris, 1929).

The reading

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  1. De Arte Magica (O.T.O. IX°) named, not published
  2. Liber Agape (O.T.O. IX°) named, not published